Product Description

Presto! The Bowers Files disappear and James's new series explodes onto the fiction stage with Jevin Banks, an escape artist who tragically loses his family and his nerve for his craft. Now he uses his background as an illusionist to debunk fake psychics and televangelists by replicating and exposing what they do on his television show. When he and his sidekicks, Charlene and Xavier, delve into a pharmaceutical company's research into mind-to-mind communication and therapies that could radically extend life, the worlds of big drug companies, counter-terrorism, and government collide.James's brand of high-end suspense distinguishes itself as Christian through characters that stare evil in the face and don't back down because of their faith, despite doubts and confusion. The writing, pacing and plot lines are impeccable, the author always pulling up the shade a bit for a shaft of light and redemption to make gruesome scenes somehow bearable. Much isn't fully resolved, but that's why readers like series and are happy to let money vanish and reappear in the pockets of masterful novelists like James.

Publisher's Description

While covertly investigating a controversial neurological research program, exposé filmmaker Jevin Banks is drawn into a far-reaching conspiracy involving one of the world's largest pharmaceutical firms. After giving up his career as an escape artist and illusionist in the wake of his wife and sons' tragic death, Jevin is seeking not only answers about the questionable mind-to-mind communication program, but also answers to why his family suffered as they did.

Rooted in ground-breaking science and inspired by actual research, Placebo explores the far reaches of science, consciousness, and faith. Readers will love this taut, intelligent, and emotionally gripping new thriller from master storyteller Steven James.

Author Bio

Critically acclaimed author Steven James has written more than thirty books, including the bestselling BOWERS FILES thriller series. He is considered one of the nation's most innovative storytellers and versatile authors, and is a contributing editor to Writer's Digest. Steven lives in Tennessee with his wife and three daughters.

Steven James writes an engaging mystery/thriller. The book is very dark and goes into detail that is not needed to get the feel and understanding of the book. There is no mention of God, Salvation or even hints toward it. I feel that CBD needs to come up with some type of system to mark when a book is truly a Christian book and when it is not - i.e. a family book/movie or thriller with no sex scenes, cursing etc. I understand there are some who would not mind the book being as dark as it is and without a Christian message, however the impression I have is that there are many who purchase books from CBD expecting them to be Christian. I had placed the Bowers Series on my wish list, however after reading the reviews decided to read the Jevin Banks series first as I had already purchased it. I feel it was a waste of money and unfortunately also a waste of talent by the author - if he is a Christian (it does not state in the book that he is) he could and should use his God given talent to point others to Christ - even if it is very subtly done - right now he is not using the talents for Christ as commanded. I will definitely NOT purchase more from Steven James unless/until I hear/read that he has altered his style of writing to reflect Christian faith.

I loved the Patrick Bowers series by Steven James so I was excited to see another series from him. I did enjoy this novel, though at times, it was hard to follow all the scientific jargon that was presented (quantum physics and areas related to the mind). I did enjoy reading the action that took place through the eyes of a magician. Looking forward to the next book in the series.

The premise of the story is very intellectual dealing with mind to mind communication and quantum physics. So it was a little "heady" for me at times, but I found the story is engaging and it moved at a good pace. You know who the good guys and the bad guys are in this story early on, but there are some unexpected twists that I didn't see coming.

One thing I've noticed about Steven James' writing is the graphic nature. He has the ability to describe a scene in such a way that can visualize it in living color. There may be a couple of scenes that are not for the faint of heart.

Author/Artist Review

Author: Steven JamesSubmitted: November 27, 2012

Tell us a little about yourself. Im a novelist who has written six novels featuring FBI special agent Patrick Bowers. Placebo is the first book in my new series of thrillers featuring illusionist and escape artist Jevin Banks.

What was your motivation behind this project? After writing half a dozen novels all centered around the same character I wanted to start a new series so that I would stay fresh in my writing and storytelling. I loved getting to know the quirky characters in this new series.

What do you hope folks will gain from this project? I hope readers will gain a new perspective on love and the deepest desires of human nature. Specifically, as I wrote I was asking myself the question of whether people want to be loved or to feel loved. Its not as easy of an question as it might appear to be. It really made me thinkand led me to some conclusions I wasnt anticipating.

How were you personally impacted by working on this project? Its easy for all of us to forget how much of a blessing each moment is. Scripture says that this is the day that the Lord has made, that we should rejoice and be glad in it. Theres a lot of power in that verseevery moment is a gift that we should rejoice in. I think we might all know that on one level, but to really believe it and live it, thats something entirely different. If people take a new awareness of the wonder of every moment away from this book, Id be thrilled.

Who are your influences, sources of inspiration or favorite authors / artists? Its hard to say who influenced this project. Jevin is an illusionist and escape artist and I remember, when I was growing up, watching TV specials with magicians and always loving them. Some of the tricks are so mind-blowing! So, I suppose I was inspired by my lifelong love of illusions and sleight-of-hand.

Anything else you'd like readers / listeners to know: This is a science thriller and has a different feel than the intense psychological suspense of a Patrick Bowers novel. If you love suspense but have shied away from the Bowers novels because they are too graphic, youll love Placebo.